TL;DR: Download files in a flow with ‘Upload file from URL’ for public files, or an authenticated HTTP request plus ‘Create file’ for protected ones.
Downloading files in a flow works differently depending on whether the file is openly accessible or behind authentication. Use the right action for each case: a simple URL action for public files, and an authenticated HTTP request for protected ones.
💡 Challenge
Public and password-protected files need different handling, one approach doesn’t cover both accessibility and security.
✅ Solution
Use two methods depending on the source: Upload file from URL for public files, and HTTP request + Create file for files that require authentication.
🔧 How it’s done
1. Public files
🔸 Use the Upload file from URL action, straightforward for files that are openly accessible online.
2. Password-protected files
🔸 Use an HTTP request with the correct authentication headers to fetch the file, then a Create file action to save the returned content.
🎉 Result
A reliable, secure process for downloading and saving files regardless of whether they’re public or protected.
🌟 Key Advantages
🔸 Secure handling of sensitive, authenticated files.
🔸 Simple path for public files with a single action.
🔸 Streamlined file management in your Power Platform solutions.
🛠️ FAQ
Q1: What file types can I download and save?
Many formats work, documents (PDF, Word, Excel), images (JPG, PNG) and others supported by Power Automate.
Q2: How do I handle authentication for protected files?
Use the HTTP action with the appropriate authentication (Basic, Bearer token or OAuth) for the source’s security requirements.
Q3: Are there size limits when downloading files?
Yes. Power Automate has file-size and execution-time limits. For large files, consider chunking or premium connectors.
Marcel Lehmann
Microsoft MVP